LEON BEST has revealed he is “fighting” to save his Newcastle United career because he has been touched by an overwhelming show of support by the Geordie public.

The Toon striker will be looking to push his claims to stay at St James’ Park tomorrow night in the friendly game with Sporting Kansas City.

Best says fans have publicly backed him after the Republic of Ireland striker was made available for transfer – and fans on social networking sight Twitter have also used the hashtag #savebesty.

Now Best is striving to deliver the type of form that saw him grab six goals in nine starts last term.

Speaking at United’s training base, Swope Park in Kansas, hetold the Chronicle: “When I’m out with my missus, or at the MetroCentre, the feedback I get off the fans is that they don’t want me to go – they want me to stay and that I deserve another chance.“

“It’s a matter of keeping fit and injury-free, and fighting for my place.”

With United so far failing to come up trumps in their striker search, Best is sensing an opportunity in the States.

He said: “I’ve been in this position time and time again. I’ve got to look back at last season for confidence.

“I think people know I can do it in the Premier League now, and it’s about fighting for my position.

“There’s a new striker in who I already get on very well with, and I’d be delighted to play alongside him, or fight him for a place.

“Competition for places brings the best out of a team – I’ve always believed that.”

And Best is enjoying the experience of visiting the States for the first time.

He added: “It’s lovely weather and beautiful facilities, so we can concentrate and work hard while we’re here.

“It’s about putting your body through a lot of stress, but when you’re doing it in a nice environment it makes it that tiny bit easier.”

He added: “I think we need to find out a bit more about each other, and this is what it’s about.

“What you’ve got to maintain out here is getting a lot of fluids. It’s very, very hot, but you want the heat over the rain.

“It’s beautiful, and we just need to keep working hard and remember what it’s about.